UK Bans Instructor Test Bookings After Kickback Scandal

Context The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) says the change tackles waiting lists that have stretched to six months and stops bots and firms from bulk-buying test slots to resell at inflated prices. Under the old system, instructors could log in on behalf of pupils and book tests for them. That access was exploited when some instructors sold their login details to touts, who then booked large numbers of slots and offered them to learners through social media at prices far above the official fee.

Key Facts - From 12 May, only the learner driver may book, change or swap a test; instructors lose that privilege. - The BBC investigation uncovered monthly kickbacks of up to £250 paid to instructors for sharing their test-booking credentials. - Touts used those credentials to reserve tests and resell them for as much as £500 each. - The standard DVSA test fee remains £62 on weekdays and £75 on evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

What It Means Learners must now create their own DVSA account, enter their instructor’s reference number when booking, and manage any changes themselves. The rule aims to curb profiteering and make the booking process fairer, though it adds a step for those who relied on instructors to handle logistics. Monitoring will focus on whether the new restriction reduces illegal resale and whether waiting times begin to shrink.

What to watch next: how quickly the DVSA enforces the ban, whether reports of kickback offers decline, and any impact on average waiting times for a test.